Bible meditation and memorization go hand in hand. It is difficult for me to do one without the other. Of course, there are times when memorizing Bible topics is separate from meditation. These include areas such as memorizing the names of the books of the Bible, proof texts for theological teachings, and Bible verses for sharing the Gospel. But, generally, meditation lacks substance without biblical content, and Bible memorization lacks personal meaning apart from meditation.
This presentation identifies Scriptures related to Bible meditation and memorization, defines biblical meditation and memorization, suggests approaches to meditation and memorization, and provides a starter list of Bible passages. The suggested passages are those on which I meditate daily and have memorized as foundational for my own journey of faith. They are given with the hope that you will build a list of your own.
Scriptures about why Bible meditation is worth doing
The person blessed by God, “…meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3).
“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely
o them, that your progress may be evident to all”
1 Timothy 4:15.
Scriptures about why Bible passages are worth memorizing
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Bible Meditation Defined
“Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God…” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God [Downers Grove, IL, InterVarsity, 1973], 23).
How to meditate
• Set aside a specific time and place. (Evening in a recliner is best for me. Many prefer early mornings.)
• Be in a quiet place that is free from distractions.
• Have selected Bible passages available for reading and reflecting. (I have them on my iPhone screen. Other options could be an open Bible, a journal, or 3” x 5” cards.)
• Choose a Bible passage(s) that speaks to a need or area of concern in your life.
• Read the text, re-read it, and ponder it. Examine the text in relation to life. Reflect on the order and meaning of specific words and phrases. Identify how the text may be leading one to think or act differently. Ask what the text says about God and how to serve and worship God.
• Keep reflecting on the same text each day for as long as it continues to speak to your soul in a meaningful way. This may be for months. I have been meditating on some texts every day for years.
• Memorize the text. This becomes a natural, easy, and desirable process when the text is reviewed daily.
• End with prayer.
Bible Memorization Defined
Bible memorization is learning a passage by heart. It is committing to memory the words of Bible verses to the extent that they can readily and accurately be recalled for reflection or recitation.
Bible Memorization Described
• Choose a passage that is meaningful.
• Read the passage (and surrounding verses) several times in order to begin understanding its context and meaning. What is the passage about? What does it mean? Why is it important?
• Break the passage down into smaller pieces, such as individual words or phrases.
• Memorize the passage one phrase at a time. Once you have a phrase memorized, move on to the next one. Don't try to memorize the entire passage all at once.
• Use different techniques to memorize a passage. This could include writing out the passage, saying it out loud, making flashcards, using mnemonic devices, and linking and chaining.
• Two Specific Techniques for Memorization
1. Mnemonic devices help by making mental associations. These associations could be through acronyms, imagery, or other memory aids that help with recall.• Review the passage (or group of phrases) regularly.
2. Linking and chaining bring together new material with what was previously memorized. New text is added while continuing to recite an entire passage from the beginning.
• Pray, meditate, and apply a passage. Pray about its significance in your life. Meditate on its deeper meaning. Ask how the passage impacts your thoughts, actions, and relationships.
• Make it a joy! Do it in a way that allows you to look forward to the pleasure of knowing the passage by heart.
Suggested Passages for Meditation and Memorization
The following is my current list of memorized passages for daily meditation. It is modified as I feel the spiritual need. The passages are listed with the hope that others will develop lists of their own.
Numbers 6:24-26
Psalm 23
Psalm 46 (selected verses)
Isaiah 40:31
Micah 6:8
Matthew 5:3-10
Matthew 6:9-13
John 3:16-17
Romans 8:35,37-39
2 Corinthians 4:14, 16-18, 5:1
Ephesians 3:16-21
Philippians 4:4-9
Colossians 1:15-20
Hebrews 13:20-21
1 Peter 2:9, 10
Prayer of St. Francis
Heidelberg Catechism, Q & A #1
Summary
This blog has described the connection between Bible meditation and memorization, highlighting how the two practices complement each other. I have shared from my personal experience how meditation motivates my memorization and brings joy. Suggestions were made for how to meditate and memorize effectively, including specific techniques such as mnemonic devices and linking or chaining. I concluded with a list of memorized passages for daily meditation, expressing the hope that readers will compile their own collections.
Click on the following link to view this presentation as a narrated YouTube video.
References
Biblical Meditation. Tarrants, Thomas A. https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/biblical-meditation/ (includes descriptions of the meditation process of Lectio Divina and of George Müller.)
Biblical Meditation. Tarrants, Thomas A. https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/biblical-meditation/ (includes descriptions of the meditation process of Lectio Divina and of George Müller.)
Memorize the Mind of God. Mathis, David. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/memorize-the-mind-of-god
Life-Changing Bible Verses You Should Know. Lutzer, Erwin & Rebecca. https://amzn.to/47kGRQp
Supplementary online resources that may have been consulted include ChatGPT, Google Search, Google Bard, Bing, and Wikipedia.
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